The Johnjay Van Es Podcast

Your healthy habits might be exposing you to more toxins than you realize. 

Haylie Pomroy joins us to uncover everyday sources of microplastics and environmental chemicals hiding in our homes, clothing, and wellness products, and how they may affect hormones, metabolism, and sleep.

We also explore nutrient-based detox, supplement quality, gut health, and the science behind weight-loss resistance. Haylie challenges popular wellness trends and explains why better health starts with understanding what your body is actually exposed to.

If you're rethinking your home, supplements, and daily routines, this conversation offers plenty of reasons t...

Adriana Trigiani gets the call of a lifetime: write a new Godfather novel. The novelist, screenwriter, and director joins us to discuss taking on Mario Puzo’s iconic world and telling the story from Connie Corleone’s perspective.

She shares the creative challenges of expanding a beloved story, uncovering Connie’s untold experiences, and balancing the original characters with a fresh point of view. We also talk about her time writing for A Different World, working with Debbie Allen, and the stories and people that continue to shape her work.

A conversation about literary legacy, Hollyw...

They spent over 200 days living inside a grocery store, and somehow, it turned them into a viral sensation watched by hundreds of millions. But what actually happens when four guys become the stars of one of MrBeast’s biggest challenges?

The Grocery Four join us to share what life was really like behind the glass, from feeling like animals in an aquarium to eating questionable food combinations and building an unexpected brotherhood. They also reveal the wild moments that never made the final edit, including a full treadmill marathon!

In this episode, we talk about:

Winning a World Series is one thing. Winning the battle in your own head is another.

Former MLB pitcher and World Series champion Todd Stottlemyre joins us for a powerful conversation about mental toughness, grief, forgiveness, and the mindset shifts that can change how you live and lead. He opens up about losing his younger brother, carrying years of guilt, and how unresolved pain turned into anger during his baseball career.

In this episode, we get into:

Your cup of tea might come with an unexpected extra ingredient: microplastics. And it doesn’t stop at teabags.

Josephine Musco, founder of Olyxir, joins us to explore how everyday products like tea, plastic bottles, food packaging, and even laundry pods can contribute to our exposure to microplastics and chemical additives. After losing her dad to cancer, Josephine became passionate about prevention, epigenetics, and finding practical ways to reduce everyday exposure.

In this episode, we cover:

Could a full-body MRI reveal health risks you don't even know you have? 

Dr. John Simon, founder of SimonMed Imaging, shares how advanced medical imaging is changing the way we approach cancer screening, early detection, and preventive healthcare.

With more than 30 years of experience in radiology, Dr. Simon has helped expand access to advanced diagnostic imaging, including MRI and CT scans. He explains what full-body MRI can reveal, how cardiac imaging can uncover potential heart risks, and why looking beyond symptoms could change how people think about their long-term health. But how much c...

One minute you’re making random videos for fun. Next thing you know, people are watching, brands are calling, and somehow this is your job now.

Matt Peterson joins us to talk about how he turned short-form videos into a full-time creator career, and what actually happens after you get that first big hit.

In this episode, we get into:

• How Matt went from messing around with videos to building a real audience
• What makes people actually stop scrolling and watch
• How he knows when a content idea is running out of gas

How do you know if a stem cell clinic is legitimate or just really good at marketing?

We bring back Rafael Gonzalez for a deep dive into what actually matters when evaluating stem cell therapy, from cell sourcing and quality control to viability, contamination risks, and what happens after an IV infusion.

In this episode, we cover:

• How to spot red flags when choosing a stem cell clinic
• What stem cell viability really means after thawing
• Why dead cells can trigger reactions that may be mistaken for results
• What happens to stem...

What does it actually take to grow a podcast into a top-performing show? According to Tyler, it starts with one thing most podcasters get wrong: understanding who is actually listening.

Tyler runs a podcast production operation with around 40 shows, and he shares the strategies behind podcast growth, audience engagement, content repurposing, and turning a podcast into a real business. We break down podcast rankings, seven-day downloads, release timing, analytics, and why small changes can make a big difference.

In this episode, we cover:

• How podcast rankings and seven-day downloads really work
• Why know...

At 14, Ayad Agha was dropped at JFK with no English, no passport, and $600 hidden in a guitar. What followed was a story of survival, immigration battles, and an unexpected path into medicine.

Now an interventional radiologist, Ayad shares how his career took him from pharmacy and nuclear medicine to treating patients with minimally invasive procedures. He also opens up about being investigated by the Secret Service during the Gulf War simply because he was Iraqi and worked in “nuclear” medicine.

We also get into stem cells, regenerative medicine, longevity, and how to separate real medical opti...

What happens when a brand says “do whatever you want” and then changes everything you made?

Nathan Yaps, better known as Mr. AZ Sports, joins us for a fun look at the reality of being a creator. We talk influencer contracts, brand deals, TikTok and Facebook income, the hidden costs of creating content, and why keeping your own voice matters.

Nathan also shares how a late-night World Series tweet helped spark a stadium-wide moment for Christian Walker, how he ended up attending 150 Arizona sporting events, and the simple question he uses to get great stories from...

A “career-ending” injury can change everything, but the comeback is where the real work begins.

We sit down with a strength and conditioning coach and PhD researcher to break down what elite rehab actually looks like, using NHL captain Gabe Landeskog’s return as a powerful example. We talk recovery, strength, testing, and why getting cleared to play is only the beginning.

We also get into peptides, PRP, stem cells, VO2 max, muscle power, creatine, sauna, cold plunges, and the basics that matter most for long-term performance.

If you care about sports, recovery, or sta...

One random TikTok about a bodysuit sat there for months. Then it blew up and made thousands of dollars.

Jasmine, a Phoenix mom of four, joins us to share what really happened when one viral TikTok Shop video changed the game for her family. We get into how TikTok Shop commissions work, how she turns comments into new content, why she uses a separate phone for filming, and what happens when brands start flooding your inbox.

But it’s not all viral videos and free products. Jasmine gets real about hate comments, staying consistent through pr...

What do you do when everyone else sees a hopeless case, but you refuse to give up?

Zach Skow of Marley’s Mutts joins us with an incredible story of rescue, recovery, and second chances. We meet dogs who survived unimaginable injuries, including Cora Rose and Hooch, a French mastiff who learned to live without a tongue.

But Zach’s story is just as powerful. He opens up about addiction, liver failure, sobriety, and the moment he realized he had to rebuild his life. We talk about recovery, service, nutrition, walking, and how dogs became part...

A pardon, a Fifth Amendment plea, and a viral courtroom clip. What’s actually going on when the law gets messy?

Judge Lynn Toler breaks it down in plain English, explaining what a pardon does, what it doesn’t do, and why someone can still refuse to answer questions. We also get into the Idaho murders case and the bigger question everyone wants answered: if someone pleads guilty, why don’t they always have to explain why?

Then we switch gears to relationships. After years on Divorce Court, Lynn shares the habits that help couples stay h...

A lawyer cited cases that never existed, because AI made them up. That sounds unbelievable, but it's already happened.

Kevin Rowe from Learner and Row joins us to separate AI fact from fiction and explain how it's already changing personal injury law. We talk about where AI can save hours of work, where it can create massive problems, and why knowing when not to trust it may become one of the most valuable skills in the legal profession.

We also get into legal ethics, privacy, the future of AI in law firms, and what happens...

Your yard could be making your house hotter... and the "water-saving" landscaping everyone recommends might be part of the problem.

Michael, better known as The Garden Nerd, joins us to explain why rock yards, artificial turf, and lifeless soil can work against you in the Arizona heat. We also get into the surprisingly simple changes that can help cool your yard, grow healthier plants, and even produce tropical fruit like mangoes and bananas in the desert.

Along the way, Michael shares how he walked away from a 20-year insurance career to turn gardening into a...

What if your biggest advantage in building wealth came from the hardest chapter of your childhood?

Stewart Willis, financial advisor and partner at Asset Preservation Wealth and Tax, joins us for a surprisingly personal conversation about money, resilience, and the experiences that shape how we handle success. He shares how his father’s imprisonment during high school changed the way he saw risk, responsibility, and the importance of being prepared.

We also get practical about wealth building. Stewart breaks down investing, tax planning, diversification, generational wealth, and why asking “what if my p...

One missed meeting on 9/11 changed Chuck Howard's life forever, and it set him on a path he never expected.

In this episode, Chuck shares how that moment reshaped his purpose, led him to Arizona, and inspired him to build communities that help men and young athletes become stronger on and off the court.

We talk about Pump and Praise, his free men's fitness group where workouts lead to real conversations about stress, family, and faith. We also dive into Iron Prep Academy, where basketball is just the starting point for teaching discipline, leadership, character, and...

Not all peptides are created equal, and some of the most popular ones online may not be what you think you're buying.

Will Armijo joins us to separate facts from hype in the fast-growing world of peptides. We break down GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide, why they're changing weight loss, and what people often get wrong about muscle loss, protein, and long-term results. We also talk about the risks of buying "research peptides" online and why quality, sourcing, and medical guidance matter.

Then we switch gears into Will's other passion: Legendary Prep Academy, an...

Talent might get you recruited but culture is what wins when the game gets tough.

Arizona State women’s basketball head coach Molly Miller joins us fresh off practice to share how she builds a winning program in a world of NIL deals, transfer portals, personal brands, and constant distractions. From the first whistle to the final buzzer, she explains why the smallest habits, body language, and daily standards often determine who succeeds.

We also get into recruiting, leadership, accountability, and her popular "Benergy" philosophy that turns effort, attitude, and buy-in into a real competitive ed...

Who said “I love you” first? Who takes longer to text back? And what happens when you put a couple with decades of marriage in the same room as a couple still figuring it all out?

In this episode, we sit down with our son Kemp and his girlfriend Catherine for a fun, honest, and occasionally hilarious conversation about dating, relationships, family, and all the little things that can make or break a romance.

From first impressions and awkward misunderstandings to future plans, money habits, and relationship pet peeves, nothing is off limits. We also comp...

TikTok fame looks instant from the outside, but Jessica Baio and Sam Jose show what it actually takes to get there.

We sit down with the couple behind viral content, touring life, and growing creator careers to talk about sleep on the road, Oura Ring scores, and trying to stay healthy while living out of a bus and posting every day.

From there, we get into how they actually build content. What goes into a viral cooking video, how Sam’s Parmesan cheese wheel pasta series took off, and the real workload behind filming, editing, an...

From selling flannels out of a car trunk to building a brand on track for roughly $150 million in sales, Dan Dreyer’s journey is anything but ordinary.

The founder and CEO of Dixxon Flannel joins us for an honest conversation about building a global apparel brand, the pressure that comes with success, and what it looks like when everything you built starts to come apart behind the scenes. Dan opens up about addiction, rehab, recovery, faith, and the process of rebuilding his life while still leading a growing company.

We also talk about entrepreneurship, identity, an...

What starts with color analysis and black T-shirts somehow turns into one of the most honest conversations about money, ambition, and burnout we’ve had in a while.

Hannah Hammond joins us to break down commercial real estate financing in plain English, from capital stacks and lenders to how massive real estate deals actually get funded. But the real heart of this episode is the mindset behind success. Growing up around scarcity, pushing through burnout, learning to protect your energy, and realizing that more effort is not always the answer.

We also get into meditation, em...

What starts with color analysis and black T-shirts somehow turns into one of the most honest conversations about money, ambition, and burnout we’ve had in a while.

Hannah Hammond joins us to break down commercial real estate financing in plain English, from capital stacks and lenders to how massive real estate deals actually get funded. But the real heart of this episode is the mindset behind success. Growing up around scarcity, pushing through burnout, learning to protect your energy, and realizing that more effort is not always the answer.

We also get into meditation, em...

Your “healthy” coffee might not be as healthy as you think.

In this episode, we sit down with Patrick & Ashley Sullivan from Jigsaw Health and Firefly Coffee Shop, the team behind the documentary Breaking Big Food, to talk about what is really hiding in everyday food and drinks.

We get into mold-free coffee, ultra-processed foods, seed oils, and why reading labels has become a full-time job. Ashley shares how mycotoxin testing completely changed the way she looked at coffee and why they built an organic cafe to control every ingredient that goes into the...

Rob Schneider joins us for a fun, honest conversation about stand-up comedy, Hollywood, and the weird moments that shape a career. What starts with a goofy fan story quickly turns into a behind-the-scenes look at how comedy really works.

We talk about the grind of stand-up, the pressure of live crowds, and how one unforgettable SNL moment changed everything. Rob also shares what he learned from comedy legends like Richard Pryor, why timing matters more than people think, and how jokes evolve once you’re actually on stage.

We also get into cancel culture, hecklers, cr...

A song can follow you for years before you understand why it matters. 

In this episode, MercyMe’s Bart Millard joins us to talk about the real story behind “I Can Only Imagine” and why it still shows up in the hardest moments of people’s lives.

We get into where it came from. Losing his dad, dealing with anger, and writing through grief instead of around it. Bart shares how the song was never meant to be a hit, just an honest question turned into music.

Then we go back to the beginning...

Everyone’s talking about Redatrutide for weight loss, but almost no one is asking what it’s doing to your body long term. That’s where this conversation starts.

We sit down with Brian, a patient turned operator in the longevity and regenerative medicine space, to break down the difference between chasing fast results and building a plan you can actually sustain.

We get into how GLP-style drugs really work, why visceral fat is the bigger problem, and how people end up “skinny fat” when they skip strength training and recovery.

From there, we zoom ou...

Most doctors are not talking about this side of stem cell therapy, and that leaves a lot of people confused or misled. This episode breaks down what you’re probably not hearing.

We start with a common frustration. Your HRV drops even when you feel like you’re doing everything right. We explain how sleep, late-night eating, and stress can quietly affect recovery, and why small changes can make a big impact.

Then we get into stem cells in a clear, honest way. What real clinical-grade stem cells are, why sourcing and testing matter, and why...

Your brain is sending signals all day, most people just do not know how to read them. In this episode, we sit down with the founders of Brain Code Centers, Rachel Lambert and Angie Noack, to break down brain mapping and neurofeedback in simple terms.

We talk about what a brain scan actually shows, how brain patterns can connect to focus, anxiety, sleep, and performance, and why the brain is more adaptable than most people think.

We also walk through what neurofeedback training looks like in real life, including at-home sessions, how progress is tracked...

At 24, Joel thought he had the dream. A healthy fast food spot called Thinker’s Grill with salmon burgers and smoothies. Instead, it turned into almost $800,000 in debt and a crash course in how brutal business can be.

In this episode, Joel breaks down what really happened behind the scenes. The pressure to open more locations, the overhead that quietly piles up, and the hard lessons about leases, payroll, and operations that most new entrepreneurs never see coming.

Then came the pivot. With debt piling up, Joel jumped into commission based financial services and started co...

What are you scared to say out loud? That is where this conversation with Brett Bartholomew starts.

We get real about the stuff people usually avoid:
• Fertility struggles
• Frozen embryos
• Messy divorces
• What dating looks like when you are trying to stay open without inviting chaos.

Then we get into Brett’s wheelhouse. Communication, persuasion, and why trying to “be logical” in an argument almost never works. We talk about how people actually make decisions, how to motivate someone who does not want to listen, and how to influence without turnin...

You can do all the “right” health habits and still feel tired, inflamed, and wide awake at night.

Haylie Pomroy says hidden toxins might be the reason.

Haylie is a neuroimmunology research scientist and a six-time New York Times bestselling author. She explains how everyday exposures can stress the body and affect sleep, mood, weight, and energy.

We also talk about stem cell therapy and why not all treatments are the same. The real key is preparing the body first so it can actually respond and heal.

You’ll also h...

Think living longer is enough? Think again. Biohacking is everywhere with IV drips, cold plunges, red light, and hyperbaric chambers, but none of it matters if your mind is stuck.

We talk about why your state drives every health habit, how simple routines and meditation actually stick, and why sobriety plus consistency can make life feel totally different. We touch on Joe Dispenza, emotional energy over vision boards, and avoiding the trap of chasing peak experiences.

We also peek at modern tools like stem cells, exosomes, Oura, plasma exchange, and natural killer cells without the...

Ever wonder what it’s really like to become a supermodel in the 1970s? Kim Alexis started as a teen swimmer with a pharmacy plan and quickly rose to fame. She shares how she was discovered, navigated charm school, and survived the whirlwind of NYC, Paris, and magazine covers.

Kim gets real about the pressures behind the runway: weight comments, Studio 54 culture, and why learning to say no kept her grounded. She also reveals the health and wellness habits that work for her today, from hydration and clean eating to infrared saunas and hormone therapy.

Su...

Want to finally get real rest without the guesswork? 

We sit down with a board-certified sleep specialist to break down what actually restores you and why better nights mean better days.

Learn why caffeine, alcohol, and your chronotype matter, how to handle middle-of-the-night wake-ups, and simple tricks like the 4-7-8 breath or non-sleep deep rest. We cover melatonin, CBD, THC, and when they help—or hurt—plus taper strategies to avoid relying on meds.

Snoring or feeling groggy? We dive into sleep apnea solutions, CPAP tips, oral appliances, and evening routi...

A phone call from the White House, separating conjoined twins, and a mother working all hours so her kids could see grit in action, Dr. Ben Carson’s story goes beyond headlines.

We talk early awe in the OR, why steady role models matter, and what separates survival from real success. Dr. Ben shares lessons from medicine, faith, and parenting, plus practical wisdom for longevity: whole foods, daily movement, real sleep, and purposeful community.

If you want habits that stick and a fresh perspective on mentoring or health, this one’s for you. 

Follo...

Getting fired from your own company can break you. For Sam Fox, it lit the fuse.

In this episode, Sam shares how he bet on himself and went on to build 150 plus restaurants and a flagship hotel, including True Food, Flower Child, The Henry, and The Global Ambassador. We talk early hustle in Tucson, opening a restaurant at 21, counting every dollar, and why food has to taste great before it can be healthy.

Sam breaks down what actually scales, how to choose partners, when to say no, and why hype driven...